SAN ANTONIO –San Antonio Spurs have signed free agent center Luke Kornet to a four-year, $41 million contract. ESPN reports that agent Max Wiepking of Gersh Sports finalized the terms. Luke Kornet’s deal strengthens the Spurs’ frontcourt depth as the team eyes a return to playoff relevance. Kornet, 30, emerged as a surprising force for the Boston Celtics last season. He averaged six points, 5.3 rebounds, and one block in just under 19 minutes per game. Though his numbers seem modest, Kornet’s impact showed up in advanced metrics.
Spurs Sign Celtics Fan Favorite, Luke Kornet To $41 Million Deal
The Kornet Impact
Boston outscored opponents by 14.9 points per 100 possessions with Kornet on the floor. His signature “Kornet Kontest,” kept shooters uneasy. His defensive timing and rim protection brought real value.
During his last two seasons, Kornet shifted fully into a rim-running role. He shot 68.1% from the field in that stretch. While he once experimented with three-pointers, Kornet found his niche inside.
Kornet arrives as San Antonio seeks to plug a clear roster gap. With last season’s backup big men, Charles Bassey and Bismack Biyombo, hitting free agency, Kornet’s arrival gives coach Mitch Johnson a reliable option behind Victor Wembanyama.
Postseason Moments Highlight Kornet’s Value
Kornet delivered some of his best basketball when it mattered most. In Game 5 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the New York Knicks, Kornet posted 10 points, nine rebounds, and seven blocks. Boston’s 127-102 win pushed the series to a sixth game.
Though Kornet does not profile as a full-time starter, his defensive presence off the bench made him a hidden gem for the Celtics. The Spurs are betting that Luke Kornet’s deal will allow him to replicate that role in San Antonio.
A Smart Fit For San Antonio’s Future
Kornet’s move marks another piece in the Spurs’ careful rebuild. He brings veteran experience to a young roster that features rising star Wembanyama. Luke Kornet’s deal should give Johnson more flexibility managing minutes for Wembanyama.
The 7-foot-2 center has found consistency after bouncing around the league early in his career. In Boston, Kornet carved out a defined backup role that highlighted his defensive instincts and smart positioning.
San Antonio has made it clear it wants to build smartly around Wembanyama’s generational talent. Adding Kornet on a moderate deal shows the front office’s strategy of shoring up weaknesses without overspending.
While Kornet’s offensive output won’t lead highlight reels, his ability to protect the paint, set hard screens, and finish easy looks makes him valuable. The Spurs are hopeful he repeats the same reliable contributions in Texas.
Quiet But Effective
Kornet won’t carry an offense. But he doesn’t need to. His rim protection and energy fill a need for San Antonio. Luke Kornet’s deal might not make headlines like a superstar signing, but it reflects a Spurs team determined to add depth, defense, and consistency as they climb back toward the postseason.
With Kornet’s shot-blocking and Wembanyama’s versatile skill set, San Antonio’s frontcourt now looks imposing. Spurs fans should expect Kornet to bring the same hustle and quiet confidence that made him a Boston fan favorite.
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